Bond University through the Education Abroad Network- An Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload at Bond University was a little bit less than my home university. The grading system was unique, as their levels of grading go from high distinction to distinction to credit to fail rather than from A-F, however, the professors do a wonderful job of explaining the grading system and helping students adjust. It may be different for students coming from different universities, but I found it helpful to have a lecture and a tutorial (a tutorial is a smaller more personal section of the class) because it helped to clear up any misunderstandings.

On-site administration of your program

My host country program administration did a great job in making sure that we were provided with accurate information and guidance throughout our stay. We were frequently notified via email if there were events or other information that was pertinent to our stay in Australia. Because Bond University receives many American students, they were very informed of our system and were sensitive to our needs.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Through the Education Abroad Network I was offered beach housing which allowed me to stay in the Meriton Hotel located in the heart of Broadbeach. I lived with students from my program, which helped us to form bonds and remain close throughout our study abroad experience. Although we had to take a bus to class, it was extremely accessible and convenient because we would all take the bus together and stay on campus during the days we had class. The proximity to nightlife, shopping, restaurants, and foodstores was remarkable because they were within walking distance. Furthermore, the beach was a block away, as well as beautiful parks and jogging paths which we frequently used. Because we lived in a hotel, we had a cleaning service come once a week and sheets, cookware, washer/dryer and cleaning supplies were all supplied for us which really helped with cost and convenience while settling in.

As a vegetarian, I was very nervous that there would not be enough options for me while abroad. However, because we were so close to a variety of restaurants and had access to multiple food stores I was able to balance cooking my own food and going out to eat to meet all of my dietary needs.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In Australia we attended rugby matches, met locals and visited different beaches throughout the Gold Coast, and even took a trip to sail the Whitsunday Islands to the Great Barrier Reef. One of my most memorable experiences was the pre-semester trip to Fiji provided by the Education Abroad Network. This trip was an unbelievable experience in a breathtaking setting, which allowed me to form unique bonds with my fellow peers before we even reached our host country.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

In our orientation in Sydney, Australia we were informed on safety procedures and common practices to help us assimilate in the Australian culture. Furthermore, we were given the tools to ensure that our healthcare was taken care of, and that we had access to different doctors and medical providers throughout our stay. There were no prevalent health issues in my host country, however, if any of us got sick we knew of numerous places we could go for medical attention and advice.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Hotel

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• Americans